Why would someone choose a vacation rental home over a
hotel room? We wonder just the opposite; why would
someone choose a hotel over a whole house, apartment,
condo or other type of vacation rental!

Remove yourself from the crowded hotel scene and enjoy
the freedom of a vacation rental. A vacation rental can
be a very affordable alternative to a traditional hotel
vacation, especially for groups and families. A typical
luxury 3 bedroom vacation rental, will accommodate six
guests or three couples, will rent for about $3,000 for
seven nights. That breaks down to just $1,000 per couple
for a seven night stay! A stay in resort can be twice
that in San Diego. Our San Diego vacation rentals
are usually situated in better locations than the finest
hotels. In San Diego there are few hotels right on the
beach where you can stay in a variety of vacation homes
just steps from the sand. Renting your own
vacation rental provides you with several advantages:
luxury, space and privacy. They are usually less
expensive than lodging in a hotel/resort with comparable
comforts, yet the entire property is yours to enjoy. In
addition, your vacation costs will be lower still
because you are not at the mercy of pricey restaurants
and bars. Renting directly from owners will typically
get you more for your money as well because the high
commissions property management companies charge
vacation rental owners don't have to be built in to the
price of the rental. Because owners that do the renting
themselves generally spend more time at their property,
they know first hand what needs maintenance. You will
find rentals by owners are generally maintained better
than many "managed" properties.

Vacation rentals come fully equipped with all of the
amenities that you have at home...and more. Most come
complete with linens, bath and beach towels, all the
kitchen utensils you could need, TVs, VCRs/DVDs and
stereos. Many include books, videos and games as well.

If you haven't spent a vacation in a vacation
rental...you don't know what you're missing. More and
more people are discovering that renting a private
vacation property can be a refreshing, luxurious and
rewarding way to spend a well-earned vacation or
business trip. There is a vacation rental in almost
every location of San Diego and at a price to fit any
budget! Click here to see what
you could be enjoying on your next vacation in San
Diego!

From the Miami Herald....
Published Sunday, August 15, 1999, in the Miami Herald

Villa rentals offer more space, lower cost than hotels
By EVERETT POTTER
Special to the Herald

It might be a Spanish villa with a swimming pool, a
cottage in the English Lake District or a beachfront
home in Hawaii. But from Paris apartments to Caribbean
villas, rentals make a great deal of economic sense.

Rentals are often cheaper than a comparable hotel room,
and they provide far more space -- as well as a kitchen.
Even studio-apartment rentals in Europe come with
kitchenettes, so that dining out is an option, not a
requirement.

Such apartments also offer vacationers a Paris or London
neighborhood to call their own.

There are similar advantages to renting in the country.
While European hotel rooms -- even in rural places --
can be quite small, most rental houses come with at
least two bedrooms, ideal for a family or two couples
traveling together.

Larger properties, with three or more bedrooms, are
suitable for families or groups of friends vacationing
together.

As a rule of thumb, a one-week rental of even a studio
apartment or a small house can save you as much as 35
percent over the cost of a comparable hotel stay. But if
two or three couples travel together, their combined
economic clout can be substantial. Their joint buying
power can command an Italian villa or a luxurious
Hawaiian waterfront house, complete with maid service.

To find a rental, contact an agency by phone or visit
their Web site.

When choosing a property, note that location is crucial.
For a city apartment, a quiet residential neighborhood
can be a bonus, especially for the noise-conscious, who
may not want a rental on a main city street. In the
Caribbean or Hawaii, beach access and views are
paramount.

Every good rental agent should provide a checklist of
amenities that are included with the rental, from linens
to access to a washer and dryer.

It's important to know how frequently the unit will be
cleaned and whether a deposit is required for the
telephone. It's essential to have a nearby contact in
case a pipe bursts or the stove won't work, preferably
someone who speaks some English.

For a country property, make sure the agent can supply
accurate directions. If they can suggest dining options,
activities for kids or sightseeing possibilities, so
much the better.

The minimum rental period is usually one week. High
season means higher prices, but shoulder season or even
low season can offer great value, depending on the
weather, of course.